Public's support was much appreciated

May 24, 2006

It has been one month since the death of South Bend Police Cpl. Scott Severns. On behalf of the South Bend Police Department and the city of South Bend, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for the tremendous outpouring of support in our time of grief. The death of Scott was tragic and sudden. It has deeply affected our department as well as Scott's family and friends. It was in this difficult time that we felt the friendship and kindness of this community in a very real way. From words of condolences, cards and mementos left at the police station, to the presence of the people who stood on the funeral route, we can only offer our sincere thanks and appreciation at your acts of sympathy. It is comforting to know that in times such as this, there exists a community of caring. Rest assured that your kindness was noticed by every member of the department and we were profoundly moved by your warmth. Thank you.

Thomas FautzChief of PoliceSouth Bend Police Department

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True love

I agree with Jim Banner's claim in his May 18 letter to the Voice of the People that we need more love in the South Bend Community School Corp. In fact, I wholeheartedly support love. Everyone in this community knows that I have been looking for a husband since I came to South Bend, but, alas, no luck. Now, I have to move to Florida and start the search over there. However, Banner's concept of the reservoir of love which will flow endlessly throughout the school system sounds somewhat like the Wizard of Oz fooling Dorothy and, at the same time, deceiving her friends, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion. The reservoir which Banner is looking for needs to be filled with commitment, professionalism and integrity, which will flow throughout the system. The love that is needed is love for the profession because that creates a caring and nurturing learning environment. That love is provided each and every day by the teachers in our corporation who love their children, especially when they discover the magic of learning. That is love. That is professionalism.

Joan RaymondSuperintendent, South Bend Community School Corp.

Obsessed

It appears Patrick Mangan, a member of No Special Rights and Citizens for Community Values, has taken on the role of opposing the proposal to amend the human rights ordinance before the South Bend Common Council, which would prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity. In doing so, he is definitely in the minority. According to a 2005 survey by Indiana University, 79 percent of Hoosiers think the gay and lesbian residents of our state should have equal rights. I think the central issue is being obscured by Mangan, however. Based on local media coverage, it seems like Mangan and his followers are obsessed with sex. They come out of the woodwork to oppose pornography, adult bookstores and even the play "The Full Monty." Now they are giving our Common Council videos about gay sex. But the amendment to the human rights ordinance is not about sex -- it is about discrimination. Maybe if groups like Mangan's would stop spreading scurrilous misinformation in an attempt to vilify law-abiding members of our community, GLBT people would not need protection. Unfortunately, however, the evidence is overwhelming that gays are discriminated against, so codified legal protection is necessary. The council should make South Bend a more welcoming, progressive city by banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. Guarantees of fair treatment in employment, housing, education and public accommodations must not be left up to Mangan and his "morality police."